Gold Fields Ghana Limited has inaugurated four out of 11 project spread cross its host communities in the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley municipalities in the Western Region.
All the 11 projects, which were completed in 2019 amounted to GH¢8 million. The 11 projects included the Akoon Park, Nana Angu– UMaT road rehabilitation, Brahabobom MA School Library and ICT Centre, Booboobo Community Library, Abosso MA School, Nana Amooakwa Model School ICT Centre, Toilet Facility for Kyekyewere AME Zion Basic School, Water Supply System for the Nyamebekyere Community as well as the Huni Valley Health Centre.
With the rehabilitation of the Nana Angu–UMaT road, it has provided an alternative route for motorists in Tarkwa. The 2.4 kilometre road, which was previously dusty and inaccessible, has eased traffic on the main Tarkwa highway and the town centre.
The tarred road has also made it easy for stakeholders to access the residence of Nana Kobina Angu II, the Apintohene and President of the Divisional Council.
The Akoon Park was first constructed by the State Gold Mining Corporation (SGMC) in the 1970s and used to be the only venue for recreational activities for the Akoon community. The park deteriorated over the years, and in 2017, Gold Fields decided to improve the park to an acceptable standard. It now has a standard fit-for-purpose pitch, a redesigned change room, VIP seating and ticketing booth.
Following Gold Fields’ decision to reconstruct the Tarkwa Sports Stadium to an international standard, which has begun with all the seriousness it deserves, the Akoon Park now serves as the home grounds for the Medeama Football Club and Karela United Football Club.
According to Alfred Baku, Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa the upgrade of the Abosso Community Library has provided a serene and conducive atmosphere for learning.
The library, he said is stocked with useful books and 10 computers with internet connectivity. “School children can now master the use of computers and conduct research online. Our ultimate aim is to help children in our host communities to be internet- savvy and connect with modern developments,” he said.
“The Huni-Valley Health Centre that we are commissioning today, previously had only six beds. We have upgraded the health centre to a 26-bed facility. We fund host development and improvement programmes through our Gold Fields Ghana Foundation. The Foundation focuses on five key areas including health, education water and sanitation, infrastructure and agriculture.”
Since its establishment in 2005, he said the Foundation has invested over US$66.5 million in infrastructural development and livelihood enhancement programmes in the host communities.
“In fact, our commitment to the communities that have graciously hosted our mines over the past 26 years is rooted in two of our six core values, which are respect and responsibility.
In June last year, we handed over the 33km Tarkwa-Damang asphalt road, which we rehabilitated at a cost of US$27million to the government. The road, which has a life span of over 20 years, has eased transportation of people, goods and services, and has also boosted economic activities in communities along the road,” he added.
“Engaging local contractors to deliver these projects demonstrates our commitment to support the development of local businesses. As a company, our local content strategy requires that more than 80percent of our procurement expenditure goes to local contractors and suppliers,” he said.
Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley Commended Gold Fields for their immense contribution to the development in the area. She called for the construction of some town roads for easy accessibility.
Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, Gyaasehene of Apinto Divisional Area was grateful to Gold Fields for all the developmental project they are undertaken especially on graduate training programme. “Gold Fields has raised the bar in corporate social responsibility and urged other companies to emulate their example,” he said.
B&FT